In 2011, the airport processed 23,349,835 passengers[3] (4.2% increase over 2010) including 3,608,922 international passengers (4.7% increase over 2010). In 2010, FLL showed significant growth in traffic. That year the facility far surpassed 2007/2008 levels by 728,147 passengers, regaining its status as one the fastest-growing airports in the United States. From June 2010 through May 2011, the top five air carriers in terms of domestic market share were: Southwest Airlines at 18.9%; Spirit Airlines at 17.3%; JetBlue Airways at 16.6%; Delta Air Lines at 16.5%; and US Airways at 8.8%.[4] FLL is ranked as the 22nd busiest airport (in terms of passenger traffic) in the United States as well as the nation's 14th busiest international air gateway. The facility also ranks as one of the 50 busiest airports in the world. FLL is classified by the US Federal Aviation Administration as a "Major Hub" facility serving commercial air traffic.

Operations at FLL never grew along with Broward County's population. Passenger traffic reached 100 in 1969 and 10,000 in 1994. Low-cost traffic propelled the airport's growth in the 1990s, with Southwest opening its base in 1996, Spirit in 1999, and JetBlue in 2001. Spirit made FLL a hub in 2002, and in 2003, JetBlue made FLL a focus city.

During the 2005 hurricane season, FLL was affected by Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Wilma. Katrina struck as a Category 1 and caused minor damage, however the airport was closed for about a 48 hour period. However, when Hurricane Wilma made landfall in October roof damage was reported along with broken windows, damaged jetways, and destroyed canopies. The airport was closed for a period of 5 days. Hurricane Wilma was a Category 2 when its center passed to the west of FLL.

Beginning February 2007, the airport initiated user fees to all users, including private aircraft. It is one of a handful of airports to administer fees to private pilots. A minimum charge of $10 is assessed to private aircraft which land at the airport.

The airport has been used by filmmakers as a location shot numerous times, the most famous of these being scenes from .

Facilities and aircraft

Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport covers an area of 1380acres and has three runways:[1]

Runway 9L/27R: 9,002 x 150 ft (2,743 x 46 m), Surface: Asphalt

Runway 9R/27L: 5,276 x 100 ft (1,608 x 30 m), Surface: Asphalt

Runway 13/31: 6,930 x 150 ft (2,112 x 46 m), Surface: Asphalt

In 2003, plans were started to expand the facility to meet increasing demand. Proposed improvements include an extension of runway 9R/27L to accommodate larger air carrier jet aircraft,[5] construction and modifications to the airport's taxiway system to provide for increased speed, improved inter-terminal passenger movement and extensive terminal upgrades. As of April 25, 2006 the master plan for this expansion was being updated for a second time. Concerns and complaints by nearby communities about increased noise from larger jet aircraft, along with concerns about buyout requirements, have delayed construction that is expected to keep Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport viable through 2020.[6]

On June 5, 2007, Broward County commissioners voted six to three in favor of extending the southern 9R/27L runway. The proposal looks to extend the runway to over 8000feet. over a five year period. Currently, the plan is being sent for approval by the FAA.[7]

Terminals

Fort Lauderdale – Hollywood International Airport has four terminals. Terminal 1, commonly referred to as "The New Terminal," opened in stages between 2001 and 2003. The other three terminals were constructed in the mid-1980s as part of a $263 million construction project. Terminal 4, commonly referred to as the International Terminal, was inaugurated by a Concorde visit in 1983.

Terminal 1 - New Terminal

Terminal 1 has two concourses (B & C) and 18 gates.

United Airlines operates a United Club in Concourse C, which opened with the new Terminal in 2002 as a Continental Airlines Presidents Club.

Terminal 2

Terminal 2 has one concourse (D) and nine gates.

Delta Air Lines operates a Sky Club here - one of six clubrooms in the state of Florida.

This Terminal is only used by Delta, Delta Connection, Condor and Air Canada.

Terminal 3 - Main Terminal

Terminal 3 has two concourses (E & F) and 20 gates.

Terminal 4 - International Terminal

Terminal 4 has one concourse (H) and 10 gates.

Note: Terminal 4 handles all non-precleared international arrivals, in addition to the departures listed in the table.

International arrival gates are H2, H4, H6, H8, H9, and H10.

Commuter airlines use gate "J" which is on the lower level adjacent to recheck.

The airport also offers airport parking and operates a consolidated rental car facility which can be accessed from Terminal 1 by a short walk and from the other terminals by a free shuttle bus service.